What's in a name? Man goes from Smith to Awesome

Published: Monday, December 6, 2010 at 2:34 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 6, 2010 at 2:34 p.m.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon man has had an Awesome name change.

Douglas Allen Smith Jr. says he changed his name to Captain Awesome last month because he was inspired by the nickname of a character on the NBC television show "Chuck" — Dr. Devon "Captain Awesome" Woodcomb.

The unemployed Eugene cabinet installer says he found it funny Woodcomb's father gave him that nickname because a "poor nickname builds good character."

The former Mr. Smith says he faced a Lane County judge who questioned his seriousness. The judge that granted the request made him swear he wasn't changing his name for fraudulent reasons.

Awesome says that judge also allowed him to sign his name as a right arrow, a smiley face and a left arrow.

He says his bank, however, has refused to accept the signature because it could be forged too easily.

<p>EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon man has had an Awesome name change.</p><p>Douglas Allen Smith Jr. says he changed his name to Captain Awesome last month because he was inspired by the nickname of a character on the NBC television show "Chuck" — Dr. Devon "Captain Awesome" Woodcomb.</p><p>The unemployed Eugene cabinet installer says he found it funny Woodcomb's father gave him that nickname because a "poor nickname builds good character."</p><p>The former Mr. Smith says he faced a Lane County judge who questioned his seriousness. The judge that granted the request made him swear he wasn't changing his name for fraudulent reasons.</p><p>Awesome says that judge also allowed him to sign his name as a right arrow, a smiley face and a left arrow.</p><p>He says his bank, however, has refused to accept the signature because it could be forged too easily.</p>